WHAM Art Center
Connecting the West Valley through inclusive, hands-on arts for all ages and abilities.
@whamartcenter
Description
WHAM — WHAT’s Happen’n Art Movement — started in 2006 and has become known as the West Valley’s primary art center, providing a diverse range of art activities, from painting and pottery to poetry. WHAM connects people through the arts by offering multidisciplinary, arts-inclusive programming, exhibits, and projects to the diverse communities it serves. With more than 200 members, our artists teach many mediums, giving the community a way to learn art techniques and experience a better quality of life. As a fluid organization that evolves to meet cultural and historical needs, we believe art is for ALL and strive to be inclusive, not exclusive, creating opportunities for people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds to learn, create, heal, and grow while sparking artistic innovation across the West Valley.
Organization Type
Arts NonprofitLOCATION
UPCOMING OPPORTUNITIES
Vision 250: America In Harmony
WHAM Art Center invites artists to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence with a special exhibition exploring freedom, harmony, and vision. In a time of division and polarization, this show asks: What would a unified, creative, and harmonious America look like?
This exhibit is a chance to reflect on the freedom to choose connection, collaboration, and understanding. We invite artists to imagine an America where differences are met with curiosity and respect, where visionaries and creators build bridges across beliefs, and where the ideals of liberty inspire harmony and collective growth.
Artists are encouraged to explore these themes in any medium—painting, sculpture, photography, printmaking, ceramics, mixed media, or experimental forms. Works may be literal, abstract, symbolic, or conceptual; all approaches are welcome as long as they embody freedom, creativity, and hope.
As part of this commemorative exhibition, WHAM will highlight artwork by veterans whose creative voices reflect lived experiences of service, resilience, and the enduring meaning of freedom.
Kind of Blue
WHAM Art Center invites artists to explore the boundless inspiration of blue in its many shades, moods, and meanings. From the deep indigos of twilight to the delicate sky blues of a spring morning, this exhibit celebrates the power of color as a source of emotion, reflection, and imagination.
Inspired by the cyanotype process, known for its signature blue prints and experimental approach, we welcome works in all mediums—painting, printmaking, photography, sculpture, digital art, mixed media, and more. Artists are encouraged to embrace the spirit of cyanotypes: unconventional, experimental, and evocative.
Whether exploring the psychology of blue—its calm, melancholy, or meditative qualities—or simply reveling in the aesthetic beauty of the color, this exhibit is an invitation to let blue guide your creativity.
Our Planet, Our Inspiration
WHAM Art Center invites all artists of all levels to submit original works for ‘Our Planet, Our Inspiration,’ an exhibition revering the beauty, resilience, and complexity of our world. Artists are invited to explore the Earth, life, and the environment in any form—landscapes, creatures, human connections, abstract interpretations, or cycles of life. All mediums welcome, including drawing, painting, photography, clay, mixed media, and recycled/upcycled art.
Vision 250: America In Harmony
WHAM Art Center invites artists to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence with a special exhibition exploring freedom, harmony, and vision. In a time of division and polarization, this show asks: What would a unified, creative, and harmonious America look like?
This exhibit is a chance to reflect on the freedom to choose connection, collaboration, and understanding. We invite artists to imagine an America where differences are met with curiosity and respect, where visionaries and creators build bridges across beliefs, and where the ideals of liberty inspire harmony and collective growth.
Artists are encouraged to explore these themes in any medium—painting, sculpture, photography, printmaking, ceramics, mixed media, or experimental forms. Works may be literal, abstract, symbolic, or conceptual; all approaches are welcome as long as they embody freedom, creativity, and hope.
As part of this commemorative exhibition, WHAM will highlight artwork by veterans whose creative voices reflect lived experiences of service, resilience, and the enduring meaning of freedom.
Kind of Blue
WHAM Art Center invites artists to explore the boundless inspiration of blue in its many shades, moods, and meanings. From the deep indigos of twilight to the delicate sky blues of a spring morning, this exhibit celebrates the power of color as a source of emotion, reflection, and imagination.
Inspired by the cyanotype process, known for its signature blue prints and experimental approach, we welcome works in all mediums—painting, printmaking, photography, sculpture, digital art, mixed media, and more. Artists are encouraged to embrace the spirit of cyanotypes: unconventional, experimental, and evocative.
Whether exploring the psychology of blue—its calm, melancholy, or meditative qualities—or simply reveling in the aesthetic beauty of the color, this exhibit is an invitation to let blue guide your creativity.
Our Planet, Our Inspiration
WHAM Art Center invites all artists of all levels to submit original works for ‘Our Planet, Our Inspiration,’ an exhibition revering the beauty, resilience, and complexity of our world. Artists are invited to explore the Earth, life, and the environment in any form—landscapes, creatures, human connections, abstract interpretations, or cycles of life. All mediums welcome, including drawing, painting, photography, clay, mixed media, and recycled/upcycled art.
EVENTS
Open Mic Night at WHAM
How does WHAM support creative writing? Poetry - Spoken Word - Story Telling - Music Every third Friday of each month, everyone is welcome to participate as a performer or as a listener. WHAM provides a friendly place to gather and share the creativity that abounds in our local communities. So if you have been writing and want a place to share your work, we would love to hear it whether you are a beginner or a professional.
Art is Happen'n Here Open Studio
🎨 Art Is Happen’n Here: Open Studio Unleash your creativity and immerse yourself in a relaxed, inspiring space where imagination takes the lead! Bring your art and supplies, your ideas, and your favorite snacks, and connect with fellow artists for an evening of shared creativity, laughter, and inspiration. 🗓 When: Friday, June 19, 2026 | 4–8 PM 📍 Where: WHAM Classroom (South Side), 16560 N Dysart Rd, Surprise, AZ 85378 📧 RSVP: nora.puls@wham-art.org — but drop-ins are always welcome! Bring a snack to share, meet kindred spirits, make art, and let your creativity run wild. This is your moment to explore, play, and be inspired!
250th Grand Celebration Open House
Join us for the 250th Grand Celebration Open House, the grand finale of our month-long commemoration of America’s 250th anniversary. We’re ending the celebration with a bang in an unforgettable community event filled with live art, interactive creativity, and festive activities for all ages. This celebratory open house honors freedom, expression, and community spirit while bringing together the public for a vibrant day of art, connection, and inspiration. Don’t miss this exciting finale as we close out the month in true celebratory fashion!
Free Kids’ & Adult Make-and-Take
Join us for a fun and creative Free Kids’ & Adult Make-and-Take event where participants of all ages can create a meaningful patriotic clay eagle to paint, personalize, and take home. This hands-on activity celebrates creativity, freedom, and community while giving families and friends a chance to make art together in a welcoming environment. All materials are provided, and no experience is necessary—just bring your imagination and enjoy an afternoon of creativity, connection, and patriotic spirit at WHAM Art Center!